gilgsn writes: As reported by Planenews, NASA tested a jumbo jet that will help scientists unlock the origins of the universe. Infrared observations reached a milestone Friday when doors covering the plane’s telescope were fully opened in flight. The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, a modified 747 jet known as SOFIA, flew for one hour and 19 minutes, which included two minutes with the telescope’s doors fully opened.Link to Original Source